That total, Public Works Director Larry Chalker said this morning, includes $9,000 for the cost of materials, provisions and equipment.

While total labor costs have not been tallied, Chalker said, “There's been an extensive amount of overtime.”

The preparation, and weather conditions that improved during last week's storm, helped considerably, he said. “The preparation upfront, putting brine out early facilitates a quicker melt. As it got close to midnight the temperatures turned around.”

The change in temperature prevented a major ice storm and the early preparation made roads easy to navigate.

Thus far, $12,200 was spent for salt, which represents 117.44 tons used. Sand costs were far less, $1,600 for 90 tons spread. There were 33,500 gallons of brine spread on the streets. “Twenty-three point three percent is the magic number,” Chalker said.

Chalker credits street supervisor Allen Mitchell for learning the ins and outs of the application process. “Allen spent a large amount of time learning the process. DOT (the state Department of Transportation) has been champions in sharing their knowledge. We owe a lot to them.”

City council recognized the efforts at its meeting Tuesday night.

“We've had good compliments about our city employees,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said. “They took a lot of preventive steps.”

Chalker at the meeting credited Mitchell, saying, “Allen is basically our snowman.”

He thanked all the departments for their support.

Said Chalker this morning, “I received a lot of praise and compliments and texts, but it's the employees that did the work. My employees deserve the credit.”